Chinese wheels set to run on UK rails

Once China can demonstrate its global potential, it is very likely to become a major player in the high-speed rail market in Europe due to the good price-quality performance offered by Chinese suppliers, said Leslie, whose association is promoting a high-speed rail linking Germany and the Mediterranean region.

He said it is very difficult to promote the use of high-speed rail transportation in France because the tickets for such journeys are more expensive than flights.

However, Leslie is a firm believer that there is huge demand for high-speed railways in Europe.

"It is obvious that we need to move a lot more people in a much faster way ... Once the European market is open to overseas suppliers, there is a promising future ahead for Chinese high-speed train makers," he said.